Christmas Tree Safety Quiz - December 2013

1. Stand your tree in front of fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree blocks foot traffic and doorways.

True

False

The statement advises to stand the tree in front of fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, and also to block foot traffic and doorways. This advice is incorrect and can be potentially dangerous. Placing a Christmas tree near heat sources can increase the risk of fire, and blocking foot traffic and doorways can create safety hazards and hinder evacuation in case of an emergency. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation

The statement advises to stand the tree in front of fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, and also to block foot traffic and doorways. This advice is incorrect and can be potentially dangerous. Placing a Christmas tree near heat sources can increase the risk of fire, and blocking foot traffic and doorways can create safety hazards and hinder evacuation in case of an emergency. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

2. If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as _______ resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

Water

Algae

Mildew

Fire

Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label to ensure that they are safe from fire hazards. This label indicates that the tree has been tested and approved by a recognized safety organization. Choosing an artificial tree that is fire-resistant is important to prevent the risk of fire accidents, especially when the tree is decorated with electrical lights and other flammable materials.

Explanation

Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label to ensure that they are safe from fire hazards. This label indicates that the tree has been tested and approved by a recognized safety organization. Choosing an artificial tree that is fire-resistant is important to prevent the risk of fire accidents, especially when the tree is decorated with electrical lights and other flammable materials.

3. Only use ___________ lights indoors (and __________ lights only outdoors).

Indoor, outdoor

Outdoor, indoor

Outdoor, trap door

Indoor, screen door

The correct answer is "indoor, outdoor" because indoor lights are designed to be used inside buildings, while outdoor lights are specifically designed for use outside. Using indoor lights outdoors can be dangerous due to their lack of weatherproofing and may not provide adequate illumination. Similarly, using outdoor lights indoors may result in excessive brightness and may not be suitable for indoor settings.

Explanation

The correct answer is "indoor, outdoor" because indoor lights are designed to be used inside buildings, while outdoor lights are specifically designed for use outside. Using indoor lights outdoors can be dangerous due to their lack of weatherproofing and may not provide adequate illumination. Similarly, using outdoor lights indoors may result in excessive brightness and may not be suitable for indoor settings.

4. Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs.

True

False

The statement is true because using more than three light sets on one extension cord can overload the cord and increase the risk of a fire hazard. Placing extension cords against the wall helps prevent tripping hazards and keeps them out of the way. Running cords under rugs can cause them to overheat and potentially start a fire, so it is advised not to do so.

Explanation

The statement is true because using more than three light sets on one extension cord can overload the cord and increase the risk of a fire hazard. Placing extension cords against the wall helps prevent tripping hazards and keeps them out of the way. Running cords under rugs can cause them to overheat and potentially start a fire, so it is advised not to do so.

5. Avoid placing breakable tree __________ or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

Branches

Markers

Ornaments

None of the above

To ensure the safety of small children and pets, it is advised to avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches. This is because children and pets might be tempted to reach for them and could accidentally break or swallow them, causing harm. Therefore, it is important to keep these delicate decorations out of their reach and opt for safer alternatives.

Explanation

To ensure the safety of small children and pets, it is advised to avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches. This is because children and pets might be tempted to reach for them and could accidentally break or swallow them, causing harm. Therefore, it is important to keep these delicate decorations out of their reach and opt for safer alternatives.

6. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

True

False

It is important to turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house to ensure safety and conserve energy. Leaving the lights on can increase the risk of fire hazards and can also lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Hence, it is advisable to turn off the lights to prevent any accidents and save electricity.

Explanation

It is important to turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house to ensure safety and conserve energy. Leaving the lights on can increase the risk of fire hazards and can also lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Hence, it is advisable to turn off the lights to prevent any accidents and save electricity.

7. Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should _____ and not ______ and should be hard to pull off the branches.

Scrimp and not save

Hold and not flex

Bend and not break

None of the above

When selecting a fresh tree, it is important to look for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break, indicating that they are still fresh and not dried out. If the needles break easily, it suggests that the tree is not as fresh and may not last as long. Therefore, the correct answer is "bend and not break".

Explanation

When selecting a fresh tree, it is important to look for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break, indicating that they are still fresh and not dried out. If the needles break easily, it suggests that the tree is not as fresh and may not last as long. Therefore, the correct answer is "bend and not break".

8. On ______ species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.

Oak

Sumac

Fir

Pine

Fir trees are known for their strong and sturdy needles. When a needle is pulled from a fresh fir tree, it will snap when bent, similar to a fresh carrot. Additionally, fir trees produce sticky sap, which can be found on the trunk. This explanation aligns with the characteristics mentioned in the question and supports the correct answer choice, which is fir.

Explanation

Fir trees are known for their strong and sturdy needles. When a needle is pulled from a fresh fir tree, it will snap when bent, similar to a fresh carrot. Additionally, fir trees produce sticky sap, which can be found on the trunk. This explanation aligns with the characteristics mentioned in the question and supports the correct answer choice, which is fir.

9. Line-voltage holiday or decorative lights start an average of ______ home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

200

50

300

170

Line-voltage holiday or decorative lights start an average of 170 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. This statistic suggests that these lights pose a significant risk of causing fires in residential buildings. It is important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using these lights to prevent accidents and protect homes from potential fire hazards.

Explanation

Line-voltage holiday or decorative lights start an average of 170 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. This statistic suggests that these lights pose a significant risk of causing fires in residential buildings. It is important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using these lights to prevent accidents and protect homes from potential fire hazards.

10. Natural and artificial Christmas trees start an average of 250 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

True

False

Natural and artificial Christmas trees can pose a fire hazard if not properly maintained. The National Fire Protection Association reports that these trees are responsible for an average of 250 home structure fires annually. This statistic emphasizes the importance of taking precautions such as regularly watering natural trees and keeping them away from heat sources. It also highlights the need to ensure that artificial trees are made from fire-resistant materials. Therefore, the statement that natural and artificial Christmas trees start an average of 250 home structure fires each year is true.

Explanation

Natural and artificial Christmas trees can pose a fire hazard if not properly maintained. The National Fire Protection Association reports that these trees are responsible for an average of 250 home structure fires annually. This statistic emphasizes the importance of taking precautions such as regularly watering natural trees and keeping them away from heat sources. It also highlights the need to ensure that artificial trees are made from fire-resistant materials. Therefore, the statement that natural and artificial Christmas trees start an average of 250 home structure fires each year is true.